In the early days of the club many Goldens were both shown in the show ring & worked in the field
& these dogs were known as “Dual Purpose” dogs.
The founding members, who were keen on the show aspects of the Golden, were aware that a gradual difference was emerging between “show” & “working” dogs & were keen to improve their dogs working ability. Hence the club instigated training & this activity is carried on today with enthusiasm by our Working Test secretary Marion Hanman. Because of the large area covered by the club, evening sessions have proved difficult so in order to continue these training days, 2 or 3 all day sessions are arranged each year. They have proved very successful in bringing together like minded members with dogs of all standards to enjoy training their dogs. Details are generally emailed to members & also appear on our web site under “training”.
We also hold “Working tests”, held in the spring /early summer, which simulate, as best we can, the type of retrieves a dog will encounter on a shooting day involving shot game. Although in tests we use Dummies.
The tests are divided between Special Puppies (under the age of 2 years on the day of the test), Novice dog/handler (no awards or tests or trials for either dog or handler), Novice dog (dogs who have not been awarded a first, second or third in Open or first in any other Working Test except for Puppy or any Field Trial award) & Open (open to all dogs with preference when necessary to those with Field Trial awards, and then Working Test awards).
Field Trials are held at a shoot involving shot game – Pheasant, Partidge, Hare etc. Dogs are required to be steady (not on a lead & deliver game tenderly to hand) It is the advanced aspect of fulfilling the dogs original breeding & to see a Golden in full flight on a retrieve is a joy to behold and takes them back to their original roots.
We run 2 to 3 trials each season. Seasons run from 1st Sept – 1st Feb & rather like tests are run for both Novice & Open dogs. Once eligible to run in Open trials its the owner/handlers hope to succeed in making the dog up to Field Trial Champion.
Details & schedules for working tests will be on the web site under “Working Tests” early in the year & under “Field trials” by early summer. These are also emailed to members.
If any member would like further information on any aspect of working your dog we are always available to help. Both new & old members are very welcome to help at these events & by doing so gain a greater awareness of dog work.
Stuart Robson